Attending college is a significant financial investment, no matter how you approach it. While you may already be ahead of the curve by avoiding student loans or tackling them early, there are always more opportunities to save. You’ve likely explored ways to cut college costs and even earn money during your studies, all while sticking to a smart budget. But what if you could save even more money simply by being a student? You’re in the right place.
This guide is your ultimate resource for student discounts. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list that goes beyond the typical online deals you might find elsewhere. We’ll explore everything from digital subscriptions and essential software to in-person savings on shopping, dining, and entertainment. Even the most seasoned bargain hunter will discover new ways to keep more money in their pocket.
So, get your student ID ready, have your .edu email address handy, and let’s unlock a world of savings!
Unlock Savings on Digital Subscriptions
In today’s digital world, subscriptions for streaming, music, and online services are a part of daily life. From entertainment to productivity, these services can add up quickly. Fortunately, your student status can significantly reduce these monthly expenses. Let’s explore some of the best digital discounts available to students.
Amazon Prime Student
Moving away from home means becoming more independent, and an Amazon account is often a key part of that. While the full price of Amazon Prime can be steep for a student budget, Prime Student offers an incredible entry point. You get a generous free 6-month trial, which includes benefits like free two-day shipping, Prime Video streaming, and unlimited photo storage. After the trial, the membership is offered at a steep discount, currently just $7.49 per month. This is an excellent way to get textbooks, dorm essentials, and care packages delivered quickly without extra shipping fees. To get this discount, all you need is a valid .edu email address to use during signup.
Audible
Finding time for pleasure reading between classes and assignments can be challenging. Audible makes it easier by offering a massive library of professionally recorded audiobooks. You can listen while walking to class, working out at the gym, or during your commute. It’s a fantastic way to consume more books and broaden your knowledge. New users can often find deals for a free audiobook to get started. If you’re looking to build a consistent reading habit, Audible is a powerful tool to have in your arsenal.
Spotify + Hulu + SHOWTIME Bundle
This is one of the most valuable entertainment bundles available to students. Instead of paying for each service separately, you can get Spotify Premium (ad-free music), Hulu (with limited ads), and SHOWTIME for a single low price of $4.99 per month. Considering Spotify Premium alone costs more than that for regular subscribers, this deal is a must-have for students who love music, movies, and TV shows. You can sign up and verify your student status directly on the Spotify website using your school email.
Apple Music
If you’re an Apple ecosystem user or prefer its music library, you can still get a fantastic deal. The Apple Music student subscription is just $4.99 per month, which is 50% off the standard price. This gives you access to millions of songs, curated playlists, and exclusive content. The verification process is handled through UNiDAYS when you sign up, which typically requires you to log in with your university credentials or provide your .edu email.
Skillshare
College is about more than just your major; it’s about acquiring valuable life and career skills. Skillshare is an online learning platform with thousands of courses on topics like graphic design, coding, video editing, marketing, and photography. Whether you want to pick up a new hobby or build a skill for a future side hustle, Skillshare has you covered. They often offer extended free trials for students, giving you plenty of time to explore their vast catalog. After the trial, student pricing can offer significant savings on their annual plan.
Discounts on Everyday Services
While digital deals are great, many of your expenses happen in the real world. Your student ID is a powerful tool for saving money on transportation, entertainment, and essential services. Here’s a look at where you can find in-person savings.
Travel and Transit
Getting around can be costly, but students often get a break. Amtrak offers a 15% discount to students in several regions, including California and the Midwest. Just book your ticket online and be prepared to show your student ID on the train. For local travel, check your city’s public transit website. Many metropolitan areas offer discounted bus or subway passes for students, which can save you a significant amount on your daily commute. If you need a car for a short trip, Zipcar has partnerships with many universities, offering reduced membership fees and hourly rates for students.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
Exploring your local culture doesn’t have to be expensive. Most museums, from large art institutes to smaller local galleries, offer reduced admission prices for students. Some even have free admission days. Don’t forget to check out your own university’s art museum, which is almost always free for students and the public. All you need to do is present your student ID at the ticket counter.
Movie Theaters
A night at the movies is a classic student activity, and many major chains like AMC and Cinemark offer student discounts at participating locations. It’s always a good idea to check your local theater’s website or ask at the box office, as they may have a designated “College ID Night” with even better deals.
Car Insurance
This is a major opportunity for savings, though it often applies to your parents’ policy. Most major insurance providers, including State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate, offer a “good student discount.” Typically, this requires you to be under 25, enrolled full-time, and maintain a B average (3.0 GPA) or higher. The savings can be substantial, often between 10% and 25%. Have your parents contact their insurance agent with a copy of your transcript to see if they qualify.
Moving Truck Rentals
When it’s time to move into a dorm or apartment, you can save on the truck. Penske offers a 10% discount on rentals for students who show a valid ID. Similarly, Budget provides a 20% discount for local moves and 15% for one-way moves, which is perfect for traveling to or from college.
Essential Software and App Discounts
Powerful software can be a game-changer for your studies and creative projects, but it often comes with a high price tag. Before you buy anything, always check your university’s IT department website. Many schools provide free access to expensive software like Microsoft Office 365 and even more specialized programs for certain majors. For everything else, student discounts can make professional-grade tools affordable.
Notion
Notion is a powerful all-in-one workspace for note-taking, project management, and personal organization. Its flexible database features and clean interface make it perfect for organizing class notes, tracking assignments, and managing extracurricular activities. Best of all, Notion’s Personal Pro plan is completely free for students and educators. Just sign up with your school email address to unlock unlimited file uploads and page history.
GitHub Student Developer Pack
If you’re in a STEM field, especially computer science, the GitHub Student Developer Pack is an incredible resource. It provides free access to dozens of professional developer tools, cloud hosting credits for services like AWS, and other resources that would normally cost thousands of dollars. Any student over 13 is eligible, and you can sign up with your school-issued email or other proof of enrollment.
Adobe Creative Cloud
For aspiring designers, filmmakers, and content creators, Adobe Creative Cloud is the industry standard. The full suite—including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects—can be incredibly expensive. However, students can get the entire collection for just $19.99 per month, a discount of over 60% off the regular price. You can verify your status on Adobe’s website with your .edu email.
Evernote
Evernote remains one of the most popular and robust note-taking apps available. It excels at capturing everything from lecture notes and web clippings to photos and to-do lists, syncing them seamlessly across all your devices. Students can get 50% off their first year of Evernote Personal, which offers a generous amount of monthly uploads and advanced organizational features. Simply sign up on the Evernote Students page to claim the offer.
Save on Shopping From Tech to Apparel
Whether you’re buying a new laptop, stocking up on textbooks, or refreshing your wardrobe, your student status can unlock significant savings. Many retailers offer exclusive discounts to help you get what you need without breaking the bank.
Tech and Electronics
Buying a new computer is one of the biggest expenses for a student. Thankfully, most major brands offer education pricing. Apple provides special discounts on MacBooks and iPads throughout the year, with extra promotions during the back-to-school season. HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft also have dedicated education stores online where you can get anywhere from 5% to 40% off select products after verifying your student status. For other electronics, Best Buy has a student deals program you can sign up for with your school email.
Textbooks
Never pay full price for textbooks. Sites like Chegg are your best friend for renting or buying used textbooks at a fraction of the campus bookstore’s price. Always compare prices online before making a purchase, and check out our full guide to finding cheap textbooks for even more money-saving strategies.
Clothing and Apparel
Many popular clothing retailers offer a student discount to help you look your best on a budget. Brands like J. Crew, Club Monaco, and Kate Spade typically offer 15% off your purchase when you show your ID in-store or verify your status online through a service like UNiDAYS. Even thrift stores like Goodwill often have a designated student discount day, so it never hurts to ask at checkout.
Local Businesses
Don’t overlook the businesses in your college town. Many local coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and even service providers like dry cleaners offer student discounts to attract your business. These deals aren’t always advertised, so make it a habit to politely ask, “Do you offer a student discount?” You’ll be surprised how often the answer is yes.
Discounts on Events and Entertainment
Your college experience is also about having fun, and being a student can make entertainment much more affordable. From campus activities to professional events, there are plenty of ways to have a great time without spending a lot.
Campus Events
Your university is a hub of activity, and most of it is free for you. Colleges bring acclaimed guest lecturers, musicians, film screenings, and workshops to campus constantly. These events would cost a significant amount of money in the outside world, but they are included in your tuition. Pay attention to posters around campus and check the university events calendar regularly.
Sporting Events
Supporting your school’s teams is often free or heavily discounted for students. For professional sports, leagues like the MLB and NHL offer discounted student tickets in many cities. Check the website or box office of your local team to see what deals are available.
Concerts and Performances
If you’re interested in the arts, your student ID is your ticket to affordable culture. Local symphony orchestras, ballet companies, and theaters almost always offer discounted student tickets. In some cases, you might even get in for free. This is a fantastic way to experience world-class performances on a minimal budget.
Special Discount Programs and Sites
To make finding discounts even easier, several websites and programs exist solely to aggregate deals for students. Signing up for these free services can give you access to a constant stream of exclusive offers.
UNiDAYS
UNiDAYS is a leading student discount site that partners with hundreds of major brands in technology, fashion, food, and more. It’s free to join with your .edu email, and it provides you with unique promo codes to use for online shopping. It’s an essential tool for any student looking to save money online.
ID.me
While primarily a digital identity verification service, ID.me also has a marketplace filled with student deals. After verifying your student status once, you can access discounts on a wide range of products and services, from travel and apparel to electronics.
StudentRate
StudentRate is another classic discount site that aggregates deals on everything a student might need, including school supplies, tech, and travel. It’s free to join with your school email and serves as a great resource for finding deals you might not see elsewhere.
Start Saving Money Today
This guide demonstrates just how many opportunities you have to save money simply by being a student. The key is to be proactive and always remember the power of your student ID. While the best way to save money is to avoid unnecessary spending, these discounts ensure that you’re getting the best possible price on the things you actually need.
Make it a habit to carry your student ID with you everywhere and never hesitate to ask about potential savings. From your morning coffee to your next laptop purchase, a simple question can lead to significant savings over your college career. By taking full advantage of these deals, you can make your budget stretch further and focus more on what truly matters: your education.